Evolution optimizes for only one thing: reproductive fitness. How then can we account for the existence of altruism in nature? This question puzzled scientists and philosophers alike for over 100 years after Darwin first published Origin of Species. It was answered in the mid 1980’s by Robert Axelrod, who is in the opinion of the speaker the most important scientist no one has ever heard of. This talk will describe Axelrod’s work on how Darwinian evolution produces altruism and other moral behaviors.

Ron Garret holds a Ph.D. in computer science, and writes a blog (http://blog.rongarret...) covering a wide variety of topics ranging from game theory to quantum mechanics.

After the Forum, please join us for a buffet lunch at 12:15pm. The lunch is complimentary for first-time visitors and students.

(Note: To find out about the Humanist Family Program, which meets almost every Sunday between 10:45am and 12:10pm in the building right next to where the Forum is held, please visit:

Most of us have been frustrated by a conversation that didn’t go well. Maybe we struggled to feel heard, were misunderstood or felt offended in some way. Perhaps it was the other person who had the bad experience with us and we’re still not quite sure what went wrong.

It turns out that good communication doesn’t have to be a mystery, and we can learn about the elements that contribute to having successful interactions. Think of it as a kind of collaboration that involves implicit agreements about give and take, respectful behavior and a willingness to work together toward mutual understanding. Once we take responsibility for our part of the collaboration, we can learn to ask for what we need from others.

Good communication involves a willingness to both speak our minds and listen with openness; it involves using our body language and tone of voice to send a positive message; and it avoids common pitfalls that can shut others down and stifle authentic sharing.

This interactive workshop is designed to help you:

· Learn about the elements of effective communication

· Identify barriers that can cause others to disengage

· Practice the concepts in one-on-one exercises

You’ll take away practical techniques for how to have satisfying conversations that will enhance your relationships and keep people coming back.

Anne Bers is a Collaborative Processes Coach and former Director of Mediation and Facilitation Services at the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center, in San Mateo. She has worked as a professional communicator and consultant to government agencies, corporations and small businesses, and holds a Bachelor’s in English from the State University of New York and a Master’s in Technical Communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

After the Forum, please join us for a buffet lunch at 12:15pm. The lunch is complimentary for first-time visitors and students.

(Note: To find out about the Humanist Family Program, which meets almost every Sunday between 10:45am and 12:10pm in the building right next to where the Forum is held, please visit:

What single industry is the leading cause of water pollution, water consumption, species extinction, deforestation, ocean dead-zones and anthropogenic greenhouse gases? Could it be the food we eat?

Keegan Kuhn (an award-winning documentary filmmaker, videographer, and co-director of the award-winning documentary Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret - see http://www.cowspiracy...) will discuss the environmental impacts that raising animals for food has on our planet and why some of the nations leading environmental organizations are failing to address the devastation that animal agriculture causes.

After the Forum, please join us for a buffet lunch at 12:15pm. The lunch is complimentary for first-time visitors and students.

(Note: To find out about the Humanist Family Program, which meets almost every Sunday between 10:45am and 12:10pm in the building right next to where the Forum is held, please visit:

After the destructive period of Mao's so-called "Cultural Revolution", today's Chinese leadership is supplying resources to rebuild many of the 55 ethnic minorities (although not Tibetans or Uighurs) and support their traditions. Barry Boulton visited ethnic minority communities in Southwest China in October 2013 for three weeks, and will show and discuss a documentary that he made of his visit.

After the Forum, please join us for a buffet lunch at 12:15pm. The lunch is complimentary for first-time visitors and students.

(Note: To find out about the Humanist Family Program, which meets almost every Sunday between 10:45am and 12:10pm in the building right next to where the Forum is held, please visit: